Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6), commonly abbreviated as TCE and sold under trade names such as Trilene and Triclene, is a chlorinated solvent used primarily for degreasing metal surfaces.

Its high solvency power and low flammability make it a preferred choice in precision cleaning and synthesis applications across various industrial manufacturing sectors worldwide.

In metal fabrication and electronics manufacturing, TCE is used in vapor degreasing systems to remove oils, greases, and machining residues from metal components before coating or assembly.

In the plastics and polymers sector, it functions as a reaction medium and chemical building block in the production of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and other fluoropolymers.

Printing and packaging operations have historically used TCE as a carrier solvent for inks and adhesives requiring fast evaporation and strong substrate penetration.

It also serves as a key feedstock in the synthesis of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, particularly HFC-134a, which is essential for modern cooling and refrigeration systems.

Trichloroethylene is supplied as a clear liquid in drums, IBCs, and bulk tanker quantities. Standard commercial grades include technical grade and stabilized grades for vapor degreasing.

Specifications are typically aligned with ISO and ASTM standards relevant to industrial solvent purity requirements to ensure consistent performance in demanding chemical processes.